What Do You Mean by Accessibility? Discuss the Essential Components of Web Accessibility
Meaning of Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the design and development of tools, environments, content, or services in such a way that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with them easily and independently.
In the digital world, accessibility ensures that websites, mobile apps, and digital documents can be used by everyone, including persons with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological impairments.
Definition of Web Accessibility
Web Accessibility means designing and developing websites and online tools so that people with disabilities can:
- Access information and services online.
- Use assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Interact with websites just like other users.
In the Indian context, web accessibility is a key part of Digital India and aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which mandates equal access to digital content.
Why Web Accessibility is Important
- Ensures equal opportunity for all users.
- Improves usability for everyone (not just people with disabilities).
- Fulfils legal obligations under Indian and international laws.
- Expands reach of websites to a larger audience.
- Builds inclusive digital environments in education, healthcare, banking, and government services.
Essential Components of Web Accessibility
Web accessibility is supported by multiple components working together. These are explained below:
1. Content
This refers to the information and elements on a website such as:
- Text
- Images
- Videos
- Tables
- Forms
- Audio
Accessible content must:
- Have clear and simple language.
- Use headings and lists properly.
- Include alt text for images.
- Provide captions or transcripts for audio and video content.
- Avoid blinking or flashing content that can cause seizures.
2. Web Browsers and Media Players
Users access content using browsers (like Chrome, Firefox) or media players (like VLC, YouTube). These tools must support:
- Screen readers
- Keyboard navigation
- Resizing of text
- Colour contrast adjustments
Example: A browser should allow a screen reader like NVDA to read the content aloud for a blind user.
3. Assistive Technologies
These are specialised tools that people with disabilities use to access websites. Examples include:
- Screen Readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, TalkBack)
- Screen Magnifiers (e.g., ZoomText)
- Braille Displays
- Voice Recognition Software
- Switch Access Devices for mobility-impaired users
Websites must be compatible with these technologies.
4. Web Authoring Tools
These are tools that developers and designers use to build websites, such as:
- Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress
- HTML editors like Dreamweaver
- Coding platforms
They must allow the creation of accessible content, such as:
- Proper use of heading tags (H1, H2)
- Labelled form fields
- Keyboard focus
5. Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) provide international standards for accessible websites.
WCAG Principles (POUR):
- Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways users can perceive (e.g., alt text, captions).
- Operable – Interface must be usable with keyboard or assistive tools.
- Understandable – Content and navigation should be easy to understand.
- Robust – Content should work with all current and future tools.
In India, GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) are based on WCAG standards.
6. Keyboard Accessibility
All website functions should be usable without a mouse, using only the keyboard.
Example:
- Pressing Tab to move through links and buttons.
- Pressing Enter to select an item.
This is crucial for users with motor impairments and for those who are blind.
7. Colour and Contrast
Users with low vision or colour blindness need:
- High contrast between text and background
- No information conveyed using colour alone
Example:
- Instead of just red text to show an error, use an icon and text like: “This field is required.”
8. Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content
Non-text elements like images, buttons, and videos must have:
- Alt text (alternative description)
- Labels for buttons
- Audio descriptions for videos
This helps screen readers convey the message to blind users.
9. Responsive and Scalable Design
Websites should be:
- Mobile-friendly
- Allow text resizing without breaking the layout
- Work across different devices (smartphones, tablets, computers)
This benefits users with visual impairments and motor challenges.
Indian Initiatives for Web Accessibility
- Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) – Promotes digital accessibility.
- GIGW 3.0 – Guidelines for Indian government websites and mobile apps to be accessible.
- Accessible e-Governance Portals like IRCTC, UIDAI (Aadhaar), and Digital India.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is a key aspect of inclusive digital development. It ensures that persons with disabilities, especially those with visual, motor, and hearing impairments, can participate equally in education, employment, government services, and everyday life.
For real accessibility, it is essential to combine technical features, design principles, and user feedback to build websites that serve all users equally.